Joining our parish
Many of us attend church without thinking about the formalities surrounding it. You do not have to be a registered member of the Parish to attend church services or group events. We welcome Christians of all denominations to worship with us, and non-Christians to join us to find out more about Christ’s teachings.
New to the area? We welcome you to introduce yourselves and join one of the many activities we have for youth, families and children. The Parish groups and events pages have more information. There are also prayer groups and other community and social groups you can participate in.
Parishioners are registered members of the church community under the care of the Parish Priest. You can attend church at any time without any obligation to fill in a form and become a registered parishioner. There are official parish boundaries that indicate which parish you belong to, but there is no obligation to you to attend that particular church. We keep the parish list so that we can have some idea of how big our parish population is, and to some extent so that we can get in touch with people if we need to (e.g. for sacramental or pastoral reasons). We report our “pastoral statistics” to the diocese every year. The parish registration form enables us to keep this information on our database, but we do not sell it or use it for any reason other than those mentioned above.
Thinking of joining the Parish? Parish registration forms are available electronically below, in print at the back of the church, or you can contact the church secretary.
Parish Hall How To Book?
For information on fees or to book the hall, please contact the parish secretary for information either by email to shol.westtimp@outlook.com or by telephone to 0161 973 1694. Office hours are Monday to Wednesday 9.30 – 3.30pm and on Friday the same hours. On Thursday our office is closed.
When making your booking, please note that the time you book from will be the time you gain access to the hall. You should ensure that any activity related to your event happens during this time period only.
If you are using an entertainer or other outside services for your event, you will need to provide a copy of their valid public liability insurance with your booking form.
Please note whilst on the premises you agree to abide by the rules and agreement of the contract of hire of the premises including health and safety and cleaning, which are available from the Parish Secretary.
Becoming Catholic (RCIA course)
I Are you interested in the Catholic Faith?
Do you know someone who would like to become Catholic?
Have you been baptized Catholic as an infant but never developed your faith, never received religious education, never received any other sacrament?
Are you getting married and is one of you non-Catholic, but would like to know why the Catholic spouse thinks the way they do?
If so, RCIA might be for you. But what is it exactly?
Well, The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process or spiritual journey whereby adult non-Catholics, whether baptised or not, are helped along the road to becoming members of the Catholic Church. Some people from the outset are very sure that this is what they wish to do, whilst others may simply wish to know more about Catholic faith and life, before making any decision. Both are most welcome, and no commitment is expected of them until they feel ready and able to give it.
Someone might ask: why do I need this course? The answer is simple: because Christians are made, not born. To experience our personal encounter with God, to become His followers, we need either a miracle (personal revelation) or a testimony of faith from someone who believes in God, trusts God and relies on Him. Miracles (personal revelation) happens very rarely (a good example of it is St Paul on his way to Damascus) so the best option for those who want to hear more about God (from a Catholic perspective) is sharing the faith experience with each other. There is nothing automatic or instant in the journey. The development of faith takes time; it cannot be rushed. The candidates must be allowed sufficient time for their faith to ripen.
Believe it or not but in the past (in fact, hundreds of years ago), a person desiring reception into the Catholic Church Community studied, prayed, fasted and did good works for three years. Initiation takes time. Initiation is more than doctrinal instruction. We don’t want to indoctrinate anybody. Our aim is to share with those who want to walk with us the tradition of our faith, the prayer and the life of the Catholic Community. But don’t worry – according to our experience – your preparation time wouldn’t be as long as three years unless you wish and need it.
We have a group of ‘enquirers’ at present, who meet on a regular basis with Fr. Pat and parishioners who are happy to accompany them on this spiritual journey and share their own faith and life experience as Catholics with them. If you are interested and would like to know more about this, please contact our Office 0161 973 1694 or Fr. Tomasz (samsung081977@gmail.com) who will arrange to see you, and then put you in touch with the leaders of the group.
Meetings start mid-September each year and continue until Easter Sunday.
You are more than WELCOME!
Children’s Liturgy
Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place during school term time at the 10.30am Mass on Sunday. There are two groups, one for those aged 4 – 6, and one for the 6+ children. The children process out of church at the start of Mass to go across to the Parish Hall, and return in time for the Offertory. There they have a simplified Liturgy of the Word, concentrating mainly on the Gospel reading. If you would like to help with this important activity, please contact Mrs Gemma Masterson through the Parish Office, Tel. 0161 973 1694.
Altar Servers
Training for altar service is currently done by Fr. Tomasz. Dates are advertised in the bulletin, and in St Hugh’s School to the children who have made their First Holy Communions. In the first instance, you should contact the Parish Office, Tel. 0161 973 16 94 or catch Fr. Tomasz after Sunday Mass. We are always happy to hear from people who want to become altar servers, and especially from adults and older children. We are particularly interested in adult volunteers available to support weekday Masses
Youth
This page is in progress! Thanks for your patience!
Domestic Church
Who are we?
We are a community of married couples (sacramental marriages) who wish to live with God, develop their spiritual life and at the same time create new friendships and relationships with other Catholic families. Within Domestic Church, we learn how to build true unity and our children can interact with peers who share the same Christian values.
How do we work?
We meet once a month in small groups (circles) of 4 to 7 marriages, usually of similar age, and a priest. We support each other in building happy Christian families by praying together sharing our faith and experiences. We also attend retreats and organize social meetings for various occasions
Where do we meet?
Parish of St Hugh & St John, Timperley
WA14 5HL (parish hall)
So, If you would like to:
• strengthen your faith
• nurture marital love
• learn how to solve conflicts
• build deeper relationships with your children
• meet new friends
join us in Domestic Church.
Would you like to know more?
Visit the site: www.dk.oaza.pl (EN) or
contact the animator couple in our parish: eliza.patterson@hotmail.co.uk and patterson.colin@hotmail.co.uk
Here is our leaflet (PDF) available to download:
Disability Awareness Ministry
As disciples of Jesus, we have a duty of care and to be inclusive of people God created and loves. Jesus is our model in reaching out and welcoming people who feel excluded. He said: Let the little children come to me and do not stop them (Mark 10:14); and also: All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I shall not turn him away (…) because the will of the one who sent me, is that I should lose nothing of all that He has given to me (John 6:37-39).
According to our experience stereotyping, closed minds and attitudes are the main obstacles facing people who want to come to Jesus but feel excluded because of health condition or life circumstances. In our parish we recognize that not all disabilities are visible, and we do our best to make a difference in making our services more accessible and inclusive for everyone. That’s why in 2024 we started to build strong Disability Awareness Team Ministry which wants to help adults and children, who experience any kind of disability, find a place in God’s community in the most suitable (comfortable) way for them.
We have been celebrating Masses of 30 minutes duration where the actual Liturgy and space is attentive to those with neurodiversity needs. They have been very favourably received by those finding the ordinary Sunday Mass less accessible. We are committed to continuing with these celebrations periodically throughout the year (4 times a year) and working closely with St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School for children on the SENCO register and their families so that our Masses are more accessible.
Also, Fr. Pat is working closely with St. Peter’s Hazel Grove Inclusion Group: www.stpeterscatholic.church in developing this ministry for all denominations to take disability ministry / justice seriously.
If you want to offer your help in organizing our Masses, or share your valuable experience, or get more information about our ministry, please contact our wonderful Team:
Gemma Masterson: gemmasterson@gmail.com
Lucy McGee: l.mcgee@sthughstimperley.org
Fr. Pat Munroe: pat.munroe@btinternet.com
Living Water Prayer Group
We are a non-denominational charismatic prayer group which meets every Monday (except bank holidays) at 7.30pm in the church porch. We meet to praise and worship God, to be open to God speaking to us through Scripture, words, pictures, our sharing of experiences, and in receiving and using the whole range of charisms. We also have intercessory prayer for seminarians, priests, the parish, other groups and for the troubled areas of the world. The only rule is that all things are done to praise God and to build up the body of Christ.
Those who attend find that participation can recharge their spiritual batteries, bring healing for themselves and/or others, and be a time of reflection and learning. Most find that they experience the warmth of God’s Love through others. Anyone who wishes may have prayer over them at the end of the meeting.
Newcomers are always welcome. If you’re new to charismatic prayer it is suggested you come three times before deciding whether to join or leave. For more information about the Prayer Meeting and about Catholic Charismatic Renewal, please contact Eddie Drozdziak on 07947 178096 or via email at eddiedrozdziak@gmail.com
What is charismatic prayer?
The movement of Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church comes from the belief that each baptised person has the gifts of the Holy Spirit dwelling within them, which are then sealed at Confirmation. Charismatic prayer can help us learn to unwrap and use the gifts that the Holy Spirit has for each of us.
What happens at a Charismatic Prayer Group meeting?
The Charismatic Prayer Group meets weekly to pray and share together. A typical meeting would include praising God through music and prayer, scripture, listening to and hearing from the Lord, teaching, sharing and intercessory prayer. In these gatherings, we follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to be our guide.
Mothers in Prayer
Mothers’ Prayers was formed to help those mothers who wished to pray together for their children and grandchildren, and to find the support they needed. It began in England in 1995, and quickly spread around the world. It has the support and blessing of Christian leaders of all Denominations. For more information, go to www.mothersprayers.org
One Parish Group (Families of Mary) meets every Wednesday after morning Mass (9.30am) in the church. They do Consecration Prayer to Our Lady and the Holy Spirit, meditation upon readings of following Sunday and pray Rosary. Newcomers always welcome. For more information, please contact Jean on 075 1710 6790.
Another group meets every other Tuesday afternoon in church, to pray Rosary and Mother’s prayer for their own and the world’s children. All mothers welcome. Contact: Marion Evans, Tel. 0161 962 1868.
The Way
The Neocatechumenal Way, also known as ‘The Way’ is a spiritual movement within the Catholic Church. It is inspired by the catechumenate of the early Catholic Church where converts from paganism were prepared for baptism through a process of faith formation. So, today ‘The Way’ is kind of post-baptismal formation which helps deepen the faith for adults that have already been baptized and provides basic instruction to those that are far from the Church. This itinerary of formation adapts the rites of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for those that have already been baptized, without repeating the sacrament of baptism.
The Neocatechumenal Way began in Madrid in 1964 by Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernández. It is implemented in small, parish-based communities of up to 50 people. In 2007 there were around 20,000 such communities throughout the World, with an estimated million Catholics following the itinerary. The Neocatechumenal Way has always placed a strong emphasis on New Evangelization, administering over 100 missionary diocesan seminaries, as well as sending families in mission around the world, to be a Catholic presence in secularized places.
In our parish ‘The Way’ Community appeared in 2023. Every Thursday (at 730pm) we gather in the parish hall either to prepare Liturgy of the Word or celebrate it. Also, you are so welcome to join us for Sunday Mass which we celebrate every Saturday at 8pm in parish hall.
For more information about our local community please ring Barry 07795 033 454. You can also receive more information about ‘The Way’ straight from their official Website: https://neocatechumenaleiter.org/en/
The Catenian Association
The Catenian Association is an international body of Catholic laymen who meet at least once a month in local groups called Circles. Together with our families and friends, we enjoy many varied social events through the year and give assistance to our local Parishes and Dioceses whenever we can.
We are always ready to give friendly company and to support to each other. We are an Association that promotes Friendship, Family, Faith and Fun.
Brookland Catenians are your local group (Circle) of this organisation with several St. Hugh and St. John parishioners already being members. Other members come from many of our surrounding parishes.
We are about:
• Forming friendships with like-minded men and their families,
• Providing help, support and financial assistance if and when needed,
• Meeting socially through a wide range of activities,
• Supporting our local priests, parishes, local and national charities.
For further information contact – John Crosby email: – jmc0948@gmail.com or
Graham Perkins email: – graham.perkins60@outlook.com Mobile: – 07758 662404
Music Team & Choir
‘He who sings prays twice’ is a phrase often, probably mistakenly, attributed to St Augustine, and is a sentiment much supported by the clergy at St Hugh’s. As a nation we are sometimes undemonstrative and self-conscious, but despite this we generally sing when we are happy and through singing, we are able to demonstrate a level of participation, in our case, in the liturgy, which otherwise wouldn’t happen. So, singing and music-making is of great importance at St Hugh’s.
Our Parish is fortunate in having a number of musicians, some professional and others willing amateurs, who are happy to support the clergy and their liturgical requirements on a daily basis. We are happy to contribute as and when required and this flexibility ensures that no individual feels that their commitment is overwhelming.
Although the clergy are happy to support those who prefer a ‘quiet’ Mass, these are generally confined to weekday Masses. At the weekends our Saturday Vigil Mass at 6.30 and Sunday 8.30 Mass usually provides hymn singing opportunities for congregations who have indicated that this is their preference. The accompaniment is usually organ and we try to offer a mixture of traditional and more contemporary music. The 10.30 Sunday Mass is a Family Mass and accompaniment, and leadership is provided by a group of musicians offering keyboard, violin, guitar and flute accompaniments to music which is more focussed on the younger congregation.
At Christmas and Easter the regular musicians are augmented by a number of parishioners who are happy to rehearse and form a choir in advance of the major Feast Days so that the liturgy is appropriately supported and celebrated.
All of us who share the responsibility for providing musical support for the liturgy would be only too pleased to welcome newcomers to the various groups – instrumentalists to help with the 10.30 Family Mass, keyboard players or organists to help with the 6.30 Vigil and 8.30 Sunday Mass or singers for the Christmas and Easter liturgies. Don’t hide your light under a bushel – the more the merrier!
If you think you can support us with your voice or instrumental talent, please contact Rosamund 07862 736 766 or Nicola Hunt 07761 768 859.
You are also more than welcome to try your skills with our Choir – joust come on Wednesday to the church. We are here between 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Looking forward to see you!
Tea & Coffee Team
What could be nicer after the Morning Mass (either 8.30 or 10.30am) than spending a while enjoying a drink – Teas, Coffees, Squashes and assorted biscuits whilst catching up with friends and making new ones?
We are made up of parish volunteers, and are a happy and inclusive bunch, always pleased to welcome with cuppa guests, old and new members of our parish as well as new volunteers (in our parish hall).
We serve our fantastic Teas & Coffees alongside with high-quality refreshments every 1st Sunday of the month after all morning Masses. We wish to serve more Sundays, but we experience shortage of volunteers. We need kind-hearted people to join us and maybe you are one of them.
Why we want you?
Our team is a great role for anyone looking to get stuck in with volunteering at St Hugh & St John’s parish. You’ll be playing a vital role in our inclusive church community, ensuring everyone can access relaxing time and good fun after our church services.
We ask for a commitment of around one in three weeks for this role, but our rotas work flexibly.
What you will be doing?
• Setting up refreshments including tea, coffee and biscuits,
• Serving tea, coffee and other refreshments,
• Setting up before and clearing up after refreshment service,
The skills you need:
• Good organisational skills,
• Good interpersonal skills and a friendly manner,
What’s in it for you?
• Play a vital part in the running of Sunday morning Masses, ensuring inclusive services for all,
• Be part of a thriving and inclusive volunteer team.
Please contact Celia to find out more: jimandcelia.mcnally@ntlworld.com or 07714 165 789
Rotas for Eucharistic Ministers & Readers
Ministry of Reading
When the Reader proclaims the Word of God at Mass, it is God in fact who is speaking to us, revealing the mysteries of our redemption and salvation, providing us with spiritual nourishment, and revealing His unfailing love for us. Christ himself, in the form of his Word, is present in our midst. The one who reads in church is used by God as a channel through which He communicates with us.
Ministers of Communion
These help with the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass, and some who have been given the necessary authorisation and clearance also take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound. More ministers would be welcome at any of our Masses.
Click here to see the curent ROTA (PDF file)
If you feel you could fulfil one of these tasks or even both of them, or if you have already been carrying out this ministry in another parish and would like to do so here, then please ring, email or have a word with either Fr. Tomasz (email: samsung081977@gmail.com) or the Parish Secretary 0161 973 1694, Zuzana. Help and training will be offered and more readers for the rota would be much appreciated.
The rota list for readers and Eucharistic Ministers is available below (PDF):
St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)
The St Vincent de Paul Society (England and Wales) – SVP – works in communities across England and Wales, offering support to people facing poverty in all its forms, friendship when loneliness seems inevitable, and kindness when the world feels unfair.
We may give a moment or a lifetime of support, but whatever the case, our mission is to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, accompany them on their journey and empower them to achieve their ambitions.
As a volunteer member, you are instrumental in the SVP realising this mission.
Following the amalgamation of the two parishes of St Hugh of Lincoln and St John the Baptist, the hitherto separate SVP Conferences also decided to unite. Apart from providing help and support to needy parishioners, the Conference also is twinned with three Conferences in India: Nitya Sahaya Matha, Nellikunam; Mary Martha, Edakkunam, Kanjirapilly CC; and Ss Peter & Paul, Pudur, Uthumanur. In addition, other funds and charitable causes are supported provided they are established by or linked to the SVP: e.g. David Young’s Charity which provides grants for people in need, hardship or distress; the SVP Disaster Fund; work in Sudan; and other special funds established to assist SVP projects.
The Conference meets on Thursday evenings at 7.00pm in our parish hall, AND you are WELCOME to become one of us!
Please contact James to find out more – 07531 974 088
Parish finance
The Parish Finance Committee
The role of the Parish Finance Committee is to help and advise the Parish Priest in his role as administrator of the parish money and property. It meets two or three times a year, and annually issues a financial report to parishioners. It consists of the Parish Priest and some parishioners, chaired by Mr Robert McDonald and assisted by: Mrs Raffaella Livesey (the parish accountant) and Parish Gift Aid Organiser – Mrs Ewa Stasiewicz.
They can be contacted through the Parish Office: 0161 973 1694; or you can send direct email to Robert: rfmcdonald@icloud.com or Ewa: my15es@yahoo.com
Whether you are new to the parish or not, if you would like to start using offertory envelopes, make a standing order to the parish, or wish to join the Planned Giving and/or Gift Aid Schemes, contact them and they will explain further and advise you.
Planned Giving Scheme
This is of great benefit to the Church. Not only does it enable a parish to cover its own costs, but also provides assistance for poorer parishes struggling to meet their bills and for larger Diocesan projects such as the building and maintenance of our Catholic Schools. Parishioners are therefore encouraged to use the Offertory Envelope Scheme, or to make a Standing Order to the Parish Account. If you wish to know more about this, or to participate in either of these schemes, please contact our Parish Gift Aid Organiser (details above).
The Gift Aid Scheme
Gift Aid enables parishes to reclaim tax on donations that are ALREADY being made at the Offertory and in many other ways – i.e. donations for special purposes and Retiring Collections. It is immensely valuable: every £10 pound you donate is worth approximately £12.50 to the Church when it claims back the tax you have already paid. So please do make use of this scheme if you are a tax-payer.
If you wish to join the scheme, all you have to do is to make a simple declaration that you wish your donations to qualify for a tax refund under the Gift Aid Scheme. This declaration may be made on a written Gift Aid Declaration Form (available from the parish or from the Diocesan office) or it can be made over the telephone, fax or by email to the Diocesan Office. You will be asked to give your name and address and confirm that you are paying sufficient income tax and that you wish to be part of the Gift Aid Scheme.
Gift Aid involves no commitment to give any particular amount and no long-term commitment. You may cancel your membership of the scheme at any time.
Parish Schools
The Parish is served by one feeder primary school St Hugh’s Catholic Primary, and three secondary schools: Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College (mixed), Loreto Grammar School (girls only), and St Ambrose College (boys only).
ST HUGH’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
Park Road, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 6TQ .
Tel. 0161 962 1852.
School Website: www.sthughstimperley.org
Headteacher: Mrs Lisa KELLY
Chair of Governors: Mr Hugh FAUPEL
Our Parish Primary School caters for 675 pupils aged 3-11. Both Ofsted and the Diocesan Religious Inspectors classed it as GOOD at their latest visit 2024. The strong faith permeating the school’s work and promoting exceptional personal development was praised, the caring atmosphere existing throughout the school was noted, along with the parental support, and how pupils love going to school, and enjoy the outstanding range of activities provided. Provision for different groups of pupils, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those with particular gifts or talents, was judged to be excellent.
A close and happy relationship with the Parish exists. A welcome Mass is held for all Reception classes at the start of each School year. School, Parish and Home all work together regarding preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, and the occasions when school Masses are celebrated in church are always enjoyed by parishioners. There are also opportunities for Reconciliation at School and Church throughout the year. Fr. Tomasz and Fr. Pat are a School Governors and regular visitors to the School, also attending individual Class liturgies throughout the year.
BLESSED THOMAS HOLFORD CATHOLIC COLLEGE
Urban Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 8HT
Tel: 0161 911 8090
School Website: http://www.bthcc.org.uk/
LORETO GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Dunham Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4AH
Tel: 0161 928 3703
School Website: http://www.loretogrammar.co.uk/
ST AMBROSE COLLEGE
Hale Road, Hale Barns, Altrincham WA15 0HE
Tel: 0161 980 2711
School Website: http://www.st-ambrosecollege.org.uk/
Other Volunteers & Services
The Parish of St Hugh & St John is a lively and inclusive community. There are numerous opportunities to be involved in helping to care for this beautiful area (e.g. garden and car park), its cosy parish hall, and mainly the people who make this such an incredible place to live.
We can all play our part in keeping our parish on good track. But few of us ever stop to ask ourselves if God wants us to play a more significant part in our church.
Is there a little voice at the back of your mind, which perhaps you have been trying to silence for a long time, telling you that God is calling you into a more formal kind of ministry? If so, there are many options to consider. Below we have a list of other services you can be involve. Don’t think too long… just do it!
CHURCH CLEANING
Those involved in this task normally work in pairs on a day and time of their choice. The church is cleaned each week, with Wednesday or Thursday after the morning Mass being a fairly popular time. Prior to the major feasts of Christmas and Easter, a major clean takes place. More helpers are always needed, and the more who volunteer the less frequent the rota turn comes round. If you could offer some of your time for this task, it would be gratefully accepted.
Please contact the parish secretary, Zuzana on 0161 973 1694 or directly speak to Angie (Cleaning WhatsApp Group Leader) 07879 624 993.
FLOWER ARRANGING
We are fortunate to have a team of talented and dedicated parishioners who provide beautiful arrangements to decorate our church and enhance our worship throughout the year. If you would like to join them, please speak to the Coordinator, Bernie Stabler, Tel. 0161 980 7119.
WELCOMERS AT MASS
Those who perform this ministry provide a very special service to the parish community as a whole, and particularly to our visitors and newcomers to the parish. We hope that all who come here to worship go away feeling welcomed and valued. If you would like to help in this way, we would be most grateful. Just have a word with those already carrying out this task at the Mass you attend. If you are happy to become one of them, please speak to Fr. Tomasz (0756 337 6659 or email: samsung081977@gmail.com).
GARDENERS
We are currently experiencing a crisis when it comes to helping look after our greenery around the church. The most dedicated gardener who never gives up is currently David supported by Pete and Bernard. If you can help them please talk to Fr. Tomasz (0756 337 6659 or email: samsung081977@gmail.com), he will put you in touch with these guys.
GALLERY
